By our Reporter
The new Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali (OON) has said that his team has come to add more value to the operations of the University by building on the solid base already laid by his predecessors since the establishment of the Institution about 40 years ago.
He stated this during a courtesy visit to the Deji of Akure kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi. Igali and other external members who were recently inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, were on campus for their inaugural meeting and interaction with internal members of the Council, including meeting with the staff, Unions and students of the institution and the critical stakeholders of Akure Kingdom
Speaking at the palace, Ambassador Igali a diplomat, fulfilled public servant, scholar and author, thanked the Oba Aladelusi for the warm reception accorded his team and described the Deji as a digital king who has successfully combined modern ways and the ancient practices of old. He said inherited traditional system should be engaged in solving modern contemporary issues facing the country. He advised that a better synergy be forged between traditional rulers and the political class. According to him, through such synergy, solution can be proffered to the current security situation in the country.
He commended the role the Deji and the Akure people played in the establishment and actualization of the Medical School due to start in the next academic session. Igali especially thanked the Oba Aladelusi, his chiefs and prominent Akure indigenes for the release of 200 hectares of land for the teaching hospital which is already under construction. He appreciated the roles played by Chief Adebimpe Ige Ogunleye, the initiator of the move for a medical school for FUTA and Chief Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Minister and presidential candidate and other Akure High Chiefs for their roles in the realization of the medical school. Igali commended Deji’s humility displayed during the reception accorded his team.
His words, “whatever FUTA has achieved over the years is not the making of the Council and staff alone, but that of the cooperation achieved with the Akure people. We as Governing Council, ours is policy and we must ensure such policies are pursued and achieved for the betterment of the university.” He promised making the teaching hospital a world class that will provide medical solution to the populace such that Nigerians may not have to travel abroad for treatment.
Addressing the Council members, the Deji said he was delighted to have them in his palace and assured that the partnership between FUTA and Town will continue to wax stronger for the good of all and sundry. He said FUTA is a blessing to Ondo state and Nigeria as a whole. He said he is particularly impressed that FUTA is leading the technological advancement among its sister institutions. He expressed his delight in the attainment of the medical school and teaching hospital and commended the Vice Chancellor for a job well done in accomplishing the task. He prayed that God will see him to a conclusive end.
In a remark, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape said Akure community led by the monarch himself has been of tremendous help to the institution. He thanked Deji and the indigenes for being good host to the university since its establishment about four decades ago and assured that FUTA will continue to make Akure, Ondo state and Nigeria proud.
The council also paid a visit to His Imperial Majesty the Agadagba Arogbo Ijaw, Pere Zacchaeus Doubra Egbunu, JP, Opukutu III
During the meeting of the New Council with a cross section of members of the staff and Unions and students of the University Igali emphasized that that mission of the new council was to make FUTA “The University” in Nigeria. He stressed that the present council is a council of celebration as FUTA will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in a few months. He said all resources will be judiciously utilized and in order to make FUTA a problem solver in Nigeria.
There was also a special senate meeting as part of the inaugural meeting of the new council
Igali commended the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape and his team for taking FUTA to where it is today and promise that his team will work together with the management to take FUTA to greater heights.
Reacting to some concerns raised by staff, he said the council; under his watch will work round the clock to attract more federal attention and those of other stakeholders to the university to improve funding.
The Governing Council led by Ambassador Igali include (internal members) Prof Oluwatoyin Osundahunsi ,Prof. Stephen Anjorin ,Prof Benjamin Akinyele, Professor Oluyemisi Adeparusi, Professor Kayode Alese, and Prof Olusola Fasoranbaku (External members) Chief Jamiu Jimoh Ekungba, Hon. Nasir Isah Abubakar, Dr Ikechukwu Odikpo ,Dr Mrs. Bridget Zidon and Mr Achede Owoicho.